The Truck Driver

Older Sisters

Gwen joined Kayla, Tank, and Sherri at the doctor's office for Kayla's 16-week pregnancy checkup. The examination room was cool, the faint scent of antiseptic lingering in the air.

Kayla lay back on the padded exam table, her shirt lifted to expose her small but noticeable baby bump. The dim glow of the ultrasound machine illuminated the room as Dr. Brown moved the transducer across Kayla's stomach, spreading the cold gel in smooth motions.

Then, the steady rhythm of the baby's heartbeat filled the air.

Thump-thump. Thump-thump.

Strong and steady.

Kayla's breath hitched, her hand instinctively reaching for Tank's. She felt his large, warm palm cover hers, giving a gentle squeeze.

Tank's smirk was full of pride as he stared at the screen. His baby, his creation, already standing out. "Yeah, our baby is a boy. I know it," he said confidently, his deep drawl laced with certainty.

Dr. Brown chuckled, amused by his conviction. "Well, we can find out today if you'd like."

Before Kayla could speak, Sherri lifted a hand, shutting that idea down immediately. "Oh no, we ain't doin' that today. I'm hosting a gender reveal. The whole family—mine and Terrance's—will be coming in from Mississippi and the outskirts of Georgia. This baby gon' be celebrated the right way."

Gwen grinned, nodding in agreement. "Now, that's how you do it! I can't wait for this gender reveal. I know it's gonna be a time."

Kayla, overwhelmed with emotion, turned her head to Sherri, her eyes glassy. She reached for her soon-to-be mother-in-law's hand, her voice soft but full of sincerity. "I know God is real... you're the best mama ever."

Sherri squeezed her hand tight, eyes glistening with love. "You're just as much my daughter as Tanya, Tamera, and Georgia. God blessed me with four girls and four boys, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Kayla's breath hitched from Sherri's confession as Tank grabbed a few paper towels and gently wiped the excess gel from Kayla's belly, his touch lingering. His gaze softened as he took her in—pregnant, glowing, carrying his child. His fingers trailed over her stomach, a silent promise that he'd always be there.

Gwen watched it all unfold, taking in the warmth and love surrounding her niece. This was real. Kayla wasn't just carrying a child—she was carrying a life that would be deeply cherished, protected, and loved. Gwen felt at peace knowing that Kayla was finally getting the love she had always deserved.

As the checkup wrapped up, they all made their way out of the doctor's office, the warm afternoon sun washing over them as they stepped into the parking lot. Tank had one hand on Kayla's lower back, guiding her carefully, while Sherri and Gwen trailed behind, still chatting about the upcoming gender reveal.

"I'm tellin' y'all now, we gotta do it big," Gwen insisted, unlocking her Beamer. "I'll handle the decorations. We need a live band, too. Let's make this an event folks will be talking about for years."

Sherri laughed, shaking her head. "Gwen, baby, we havin' a gender reveal, not a damn concert."

"Well, it might as well be with all these folks coming in," Gwen shot back, flipping her sunglasses down over her eyes. "I know y'all country, but y'all rich country. Ain't no sense in half-steppin' when you got the means."

Tank chuckled as he helped Kayla into her Ford Bronco, making sure she was settled before closing the door. "Long as Kayla happy, y'all do whatever you want."

Kayla smiled at him, appreciating how much he always put her first. She still wasn't used to it—being loved on like this. Being considered. But it felt good.